Why the Scouts?
When I was 12, I was a doughy kid, and bullied a lot. Even in Boy Scouts, where a person’s character was supposed to be prized, the kids were really tough on me. Despite all that, I loved living in Minnesota where there were lakes, deep woods, and a sense of adventure having to brave each deep, cold winter. I also loved gathering wisdom and ideas from a variety of sources. My Grandpa Funk inspired me with visits to his farm, where I would learn how to build things, pour through his set of encyclopedias, or enjoy one of his hand-crafted puzzles.
One night, my parents sat my sister and me down at the dinner table and announced that we were moving to Illinois to be closer to my aging grandfather. I was crushed. All my plans for how life was going to work out felt like they were flushed down the drain.
I held onto two things as we made the move:
1. I would become a mechanical engineer to prove my worth.
2. I would do anything, including re-inventing my personality to be liked and accepted in our new community.
These two vows would later turn into strengths. I have an engineer’s mindset, though I no longer need to be validated by a label on an org chart. I have deep mastery in a few areas and can quickly connect sources of wisdom to practical applications. I can build a community with anyone (it’s rumored I even befriend inanimate objects). I help people discover a broad skillset outside of their specialization and build community by doing creative adventures together in the real world. I don’t want anyone to feel stuck in the narrow plans for the life they’ve made.
My mission in life is to help bring about a new vision for life, living closer to old, time-tested ways. Here’s what I’d love to see:
People only check their phones once per day. They play outside with their kids and neighbors.
There are more gardens growing vegetables than lawns in the community. No more monocultures!Landowners happily give access to the public to enjoy the beauty and bounty, and the public respects this privilege.
People know their history and that of other cultures.
People laugh, love, and learn together, from people who look and think differently than they do.
People are building things together, helping each other build treehouses, fixing clogged drains, and maintaining their vehicles.
Sidewalk chalk marks where family workouts and play happen. Sidewalk talks are where real issues are discussed and people tell their stories.
People live by the Scout Law.
People look at companies like Meta and Twitter like they do the Standard Oil Company. An antiquated relic that we're glad to be rid of.
Embodying the Scouting values
I’m going to borrow a great video from the legend, Bear Grylls. He really hits home with why Scouting values are more important now than they ever have been. Pour yourself a cup of coffee and enjoy:
Scouting Principles
Over the next twelve months, we’ll be exploring the Scouting principles (especially the Oath and Law) and how they apply to our lives from a variety of perspectives. Here’s a quick review of the Oath and Law, for those who haven’t seen them before (or may have forgotten them since your youth!)
The Scout Oath
On my honor, I will do my best:
To do my duty to God and my country, and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
The Scout Law
A Scout is Trustworthy.
A Scout tells the truth. He is honest, and he keeps his promises. People can depend on him.
A Scout is Loyal.
A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and nation.
A Scout is Helpful.
A Scout cares about other people. He willingly volunteers to help others without expecting payment or reward.
A Scout is Friendly.
A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He offers his friendship to people of all races and nations and respects them even if their beliefs and customs are different from his own.
A Scout is Courteous.
A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows that using good manners makes it easier for people to get along.
A Scout is Kind.
A Scout knows there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. Without good reason, he does not harm or kill any living thing.
A Scout is Obedient.
A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobeying them.
A Scout is Cheerful.
A Scout looks for the bright side of life. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.
A Scout is Thrifty.
A Scout works to pay his own way and to help others. He saves for the future. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.
A Scout is Brave.
A Scout can face danger although he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at him or threaten him.
A Scout is Clean.
A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He chooses the company of those who live by high standards. He helps keep his home and community clean.
A Scout is Reverent.
A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.
Scout Motto
Be prepared
Scout Slogan
Do a Good Turn daily
What now?
Look through the list of the twelve points of the Scout Law, and put in the comments below which of them speaks to you most. What does it mean to you? Why is it important?
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Dan Zehner is a dad and an adventurer at heart. For years, he’s used GORUCK gear to become more physically fit and be better prepared. They’ve been around for over 10 years, and he’s been using their packs for the past eight. Their gear is made to stand up to the rigors of life, made in the USA, and designed by former Special Forces soldiers.
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